Collar forming apparatus



Oct. 3, 1950 R. E. CAMPBELL 2,524,253

COLLAR FORMING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 PM LIN E (fin/ 854A /VENTOR. W

.-\TTORNEY.

Oct. 3, 1950 R. E. CAMPBELL 2,524,253

COLLAR FORMING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 \I h o 4 l I 0:2 2 20'' i J 616 /7 1 :I I 28 a5 n E If:

2d 303 ;5,-l-:; -5 1 5 6 ...:i /2 A5 44 A TTORNEY.

Oct. 3, 1950 R. E. CAMPBELL 2,

COLLAR FORMING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fan/1v EQMPBELL INVENTOR.

Oct. 3, 1950 R. E. CAMPBELL 2,524,253

COLLAR FORMING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY.

Oct. 3, 1950 R. E. CAMPBELL 2,524,253

r COLLAR FORMING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Rm 1. /'/v 5 61/7/ 551;

A ENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 3,, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT orr ce 18 Claims.

This invention relates to novel and improved collar forming apparatus which is especially adaptable for use in laundries, factories and other places for forming the collar portion of shirts or other garments. The improved apparatus of this invention readily lends itself to incorporation with other garment handling equipment and devices and when so incorporated functions to cooperate with such device to facilitate the operators work and to improve and provide uniformity to the finished work. Various kinds of collar forming devices have from time to time appeared on the market but each in turn found to possess some undesirable feature or features. For instance, in the expandable segmental block type of collar forming device, the collar contracting portions of theblocks caused undesirable ridges 011 theinterior surface of a substantially triangularly shaped collar. tion of unheated overlapping or bridging plates between the segmental blocks, especially when heated, improved the interior finish of the collar slightly. However, the application of the heat at the stretched corners of the triangularly shaped collar tended to more rigidly and permanently form these portions with the result that when the collar was worn, it would not conform to the shape of the neck of the wearer. Portions of the collar bulged outwardly forming blisters, While the portions therebetween which had not been heated uniforml tended to wrinkle quite readily. As a result of the hot and cold ironing or forming, the finished product left much to be desired.

Accordingly one of the chief objects of the present invention is the provision of means for uniforml forming collars of various sizes, substantially circular, thereby to conform closely to the shape of the neck of a wearer, all without any changes or adjustments in the forming apparatus.

Another object of advantage and importance is the provision of means for exerting a uniform radiall expanding pressure on substantially all portions of the interior surface of the collar being formed. Moreover, the force exerting element comprises a single member which functions to exert a uniform radially expanding pressure on the interior surface of a collar being formed whereby the collar is stretched and formed in substantially circular shape.

Still another object of importance and advanradially expanding member and to thereb cause the collar to be uniformly heated and finished.

Another object of importance resides in the provision of means for maintaining a strip curled in the form of two joined involute curves in alignment with a stationary portion of the apparatus during operation, thereof, and of preventing the sagging of said strip when a shirt or other garment is positioned thereon.

A further object of advantage and importance resides in the provision of means for incorporating the improved collar forming apparatus in a folding table whereby the device functions as a combination collar forming means and also as an anchor and reference point for a combined forming and folding operation.

Still another object of importance and advantage is the provision of means for reducing the number of parts required in an operative device by the elimination of auxiliary springs and counterbalances and, in the absence of these of utilizing the inherent resistance to distortion of the forming element as a source of power for stretching and forming a collar. Moreover, the energy stored in the forming element urges that member to engage and exert a uniform pressure on substantially'the entire inner surface of the collar being formed. T

An additional object of importance is the provision of means for electrically heating the forming element and of controlling the flow of current to increase or decrease the temperature of the element as desired.

Additional objects of advantage and importance will become apparent as the following de tailed description progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a collar forming apparatus which embodies the invention, parts thereof being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 is a slightly enlarged bottom plan view of the apparatus, portions thereof being broken away to show underlying parts.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the improved collar forming apparatus associated with a folding table, the heating circuit being shown. diagrammatically.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6--6 of Fig. 5 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken on line l-{l of 3 Fig. 8 and shows a slightly modified form of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section taken on line 8-8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 99 of Fi 7.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of a folding table and includes the modified embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. '7, 8 and 9.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line I l-l I of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a wiring diagram of the heating circuit.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the improved structure comprises a base If! upon which is suitably mounted a standard II. Secured to the upper end of the standard II preferably by screw threaded association of the parts, see Fig. 4, is a head member I2. The head I2 is hollow, as is clearly shown in the drawings, to house and support working parts of the apparatus and has a downwardly projecting peripheral edge I3 to which a plate Id of non-conducting material is suitably attached. The plate M is provided. with a portion I6, substantially circular in plan, located centrally thereof and which projects downwardly as is best shown in Fig. 4. A rib I'l, preferably integral with the portion I6, is formed interiorly thereof. The rib I! as shown in Fig. 3, is T-shaped in plan and its longitudinal portion terminates closely adjacent the center of portion I6, and the transverse portion forms a part of the perimeter of that portion. A section of the peripheral wall of the portion I is cut away as at I8, to provide spaces between the wall and the terminals of the transverse portion of the 'T-shaped rib I! for a purpose hereinafter more fully disclosed. Positioned within the portion I6 and extending from the wall thereof to a point closely adjacent the rib ii, are oppositely disposed guide members 2G. The guide members 20, are also preferably integral parts of the portion [6 of plate I4.

Suitably secured to the transverse portion of the rib I1 and extending therebeyond is a pair of plates 23. Each plate 23, which is spaced from the peripheral wall of the portion It, as is best shown in Fig. 3, is preferably of good heat conducting material for a purpose hereinafter more fully disclosed.

Journalled in the head I2, near the standard I I, is a shaft 25, one end of which projects therebeyond and has an operating arm 25 aiiixed thereto by a pin Z'l or other suitable means.

Fixed to the intermediate portion of the shaft 25 by a pin 28, or the like, is a bifurcated arm 3B. The arms 26 and 3D and the shaft 25 being thus joined are adapted to be moved in unison as a unit. The free end of the operating arm 2t, see Figs. 1 and 2, is operably connected to a pedal 31 hingedly carried by the base IE], or other suitable operating means, by a cable 32, or other connecting means. The free ends of the bifurcated arm 30 are connected to a link 33 by a pin 34 or other suitable attaching means. The link 33 is of electrical nonconducting material as hereinafter more fully appears.

Secured to the link 33 by means of screws 35 and bolts 37 is a flexible metallic strip 38. In the arrangement shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the intermediate portion of the strip 38 is disposed beneath the plate I4 and is looped under tension to form two joined involute curves. The end portions of the strip are threaded through the spaces I8 and between the rib I1 and the guide members 29 and slidably bear against the end portions of plates 23 and pass to the upper side of the plate where the ends are secured to the link 33 in spaced parallel association. The link 33 and plate I 4 function to electrically insulate the strip 38 from the head I2 and the parallel portions of the strip from each other. The inherent urge of the strip 38, toreturn to its normal straight condition biases that member to full open position and the arms 26 and 30, and the pedal 3 I, to the positions in which they are shown in full lines in Figs. 1, 2, 3 or 4.

When the shaft 25 is rotated counterclockwise, as by depressing the pedal 3I, the arm in describing its operative arc moves the flexible strip 38 into the position in which it is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, wherein the intermediate portion of the strip 38 lies against or closely adjacent the wall of the deformed portion I6 of the plate Hi. When the contracting force is removed from the shaft 25, the energy stored in the resilient metallic strip '38 causes that member to expand radially from its contracted position with an equal force exerted on diametrically opposed portions thereof. Thus a collar being formed on the improved device is subjected to an equalized and uniformly distributed pressure so that distortion of any portion thereof is prevented. 'The end of the T-shaped member I! provides an abutment for the end of the link 33 thus limiting expansion of the member 38 and the wall of the cup shaped portion I6 provides a stop for limiting the contracting movement of the flexible strip 38.

Secured to internal bosses 40 within the head [2 by suitable screws II, or the like, see Fig. 4. is a step down transformer 42. The primary winding of the transformer is electrically connected to a source of power by conductors 43 in which circuit an operating switch 44, see Fig. 12, is positioned. The operating switch 44 is connected to different portions of the primary winding so that portions of the winding may be selectively cut out. For convenience the conductors extending from the switch 44 to the primary winding of transformer are indicated by the reference numerals 26, 37, and 48. Conductor 46 is cut into the supply circuit when the full winding or low voltage is utilized, conductor 41 when an intermediate portion or intermediate voltage is desired, and conductor 48 when a minimum portion or high voltage is required. The secondary winding of the transformer 42 is connected to terminals 50 and 5| near the ends of the metallic strip 38 by conductors 52 and 53 respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the flexible metallic strip is constructed of a material which offers resistance to the flow of an electric current therethrough. Consequently when a current is passed through the strip 38 it becomes heated and as the flow of current may be selectively controlled, the temperature of the metallic strip is likewise selectively controlled. It will be apparent that where it is so desired a resistance element may be affixed to the flexible strip 38 in order to obviate the necessity of the strip being formed of electric resistance material.

table 54 by suitable bolts 56. The plate i4 is aligned with an aperture 55 in the table 54 closely adjacent a band groove 59, as is best shown in Fig. 6. A bifurcated operating arm 51, see Figs. 5 and 6, carried by a bracket 58 fixed to the underside of the table, has its free end operably connected to the end of the link 33 by a pin 6|]. The ends of the flexible strip 38 are connected to the link 33 in precisely the same manner as previously described so the description will not be repeated here. Fixed intermediate the ends of the bifurcated operating arm 51 is a shaft 6| to which an operating cable 62 may be secured. The cable 62 is passed over a sheave 63, carried by the bracket 58, and may then extend to an operating member, as for instance a pedal 3|. A suitable transformer 64 is secured beneath the table 54, preferably near the bracket 58, as is best shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The transformer 64 is connected in a circuit previously described and in such position functions to reduce line voltage sufllciently for use in heating the flexible strip 38 of the improved device of this invention.

Operation In the operation of the two embodiments hereinbefore described the following steps have been found satisfactory. The circuit is connected to a source of supply and the switch 44 is adjusted to a proper terminal to cut one of the conductors 46, 41, or 48 into the circuit. When the flexible strip 38 is sufficiently heated it is contracted, as for example by depressing the pedal 3|. With the flexible member 38 in contracted position, as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 4 and 6, the neck portion of a shirt is positioned thereabout and the heated strip 38 is released to expand against the interior surface of said neck portion. It is to be noted that when the neck portion is positioned on the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 4 the balance of the shirt depends therebelow and when the collar portion is positioned on the arrangement shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the balance of the shirt rests upon the surface of the table 54 above the collar forming portion. The heated strip 38 engages the inner surface of the collar forcing it radially outwardly into substantially circular form as the stored energy of the compressed strip urges it into enlarged involute curve form. The sliding engagement between the end portions of the plates 23 and the heated flexible strip 38 functions to maintain the plates at approximately the same temperature as the strip. The heat and force applied to the collar is uniformly distributed to all portions thereof and results in the simultaneous drying, stretching and finishing of all parts of the collar. When the finishing operation is completed, the flexible member 38 is contracted and the shirt removed from the apparatus, whereupon the next following shirt may be positioned on the device for finishing. It is to be noted that the switch 44 for controlling the temperature of the flexible strip may be operated at any time it is desirable or necessary to alter the temperature of that member.

Modification In the modified arrangement shown in Figs. '7 to 11, a body 18 is positioned upon a standard H which in turn may be mounted upon a base in a manner hereinbefore set forth. The body I0 is hollow and may be of a shape suitable to be encased within a shirt beingflnished upon the apparatus.

Secured to the interior of the body 10 preferably by screws H is a transformer 72. The transformer 12 may be similar to the one previously described in the preferred embodiment. Operably associated with the transformer l2 and also secured to the interior of the body 10 is a switch 13 which may be precisely the same as switch 44. Formed in the upper portion of the body 10 and transverse the sidewalls thereof is a supporting wall 14 upon which anchoring bosses 13 are formed. Positioned on the anchoring bosses I6 and secured thereto by screws l! is a dividing wall 18 constructed of insulat ing material. Opposing surfaces of the dividing wall 18 are deeply concaved, as is best shown in Fig. 9, to form substantially semicylindrical recesses.

Extending upwardly from the supporting wall 14, to which they are fixed, is a pair of pins positioned on opposed sides of the dividing wall 18 and each concentric with one of the semi-cylindrical recesses therein. Rotatably positioned on each pin is an identical spool 8|. The upper portion of each spool BI is recessed to receive a flexible strip 82 and the lower portion is grooved to accommodate a cable 83.

The cables 83 are wound upon each spool 8| and the ends are secured by a clip 84, which is also utilized to secure the end of the flexible strip 82 to the spool 8|. The clips 84 also function as an electrical connection between the cables 83 and the end of the strip 82. The peripheral surface of the recessed portion of each spool 8| is spaced from the dividing wall, as is best shown in Fig. 9, to provide a space in which the flat strip 82 may be wound upon the spools 8|.

The cables 83 are extended over sheaves 8B, journalled in the supporting wall, and the intermediate portions of the cables are secured to a clamp 81 which is adapted to electrically insulate them one from the other. The ends of the cables 83 are operably connected to the secondary winding of the transformer '12. Thus the strip 82 is electrically connected to the transformer and the other end thereof may be secured to operating means, as for instance a pedal, not shown. The arrangement is such that movement of the clamp8'l in a downward direction rotates the spools 8| to wind the flexible strip 82 thereon and when the clamp is relieved. of the downwardly urging force the energy stored in the wound flexible strip 82 urges the clamp 81 in an upward direction.

In the construction of the improved apparatus the flexible strip 82 is curled under tension to form two joined involute curves and the ends of the strip are secured to the spools 8| by the clips 84 as previously described. It will therefore be apparent that the inherent urge of the strip 82 to assume its normal straight position strongly biases that member toward its enlarged limits. Hence the entire operating mechanism is normally biased to one of its limit positions.

Fixed to the flexible strip 82 intermediate the ends thereof and projecting radially inwardly is a guide rod 90, see Figs. 7, 8 and 9. The freeend of the guide rod 98, aligns with and is reciprocably operable in a bore 9| in the dividing wall 18. The guide rod in conjunction with the bore 9| functions to maintain the flexible strip 82 properly aligned and associated with the balance of the apparatus in expanded or contracted positions and whether or not a shirt, or the like, is being supported by the strip.

Secured to the dividing wall 18, and having end portions extending therebeyond, as is best shown in Fig. 9, is a pair of plates 89. The plates 89, are constructed of good heat conducting material and are electrically insulated one from the other. It is to be noted that an end portion of each plate 89 slidingly engages the peripheral surface of the substantially circular flexible strip 82. This sliding engagement between the parts f-unc tions to maintain the plates and strip at approximately the same temperature when the flexible strip is heated. I

Removably positioned above the spools 8|, and dividing wall 18, is a conoidal' shaped head 92, which is preferably maintained in position by screws 93, extending therethrough and entering threaded bores in the pins 80, as is best shown in Fig. 8. The head 92, is so shaped to facilitate the operation of slipping a shirt thereover to bring the collar in association with the flexible strip 82.

One arrangement by which the apparatus above described may be readily associated with an apertured folding table 96, is shown in Figs. 10 and 11. A plate 95 is substituted for the head 92 and a recessed supporting member 91 for the body I0. The recessed supporting member 91 may be secured within the aperture in the table by suitable means such as screws 98, or the like. A supporting wall IOI, through which the spools I02 extend and to which dividing wall I03 is attached, is secured within the recessed supporting member 91. Suitable sheaves I04 over which operating cables I05 pass are operably carried by the supporting member 97. A transformer I06 may be conveniently attached to the supporting member 91, as is best shown in Fig. 11. The sheaves I04, cables I05, transformer I06, and other parts may be of precisely the same construction as their counterparts previously described but are here given different reference numerals merely to avoid confusion.

In the fourth arrangement shown in Figs. 10

and 11 a flexible strip I0! is curled under tension and positioned within the recessed member 9'! with the ends thereof secured to the spools I02 in the manner previously described. Where it is so desired the strip IEI'I may carry an auxiliary forming member or be formed as indicated by the dotted lines I08 in Figs. 10 and 11. A guide rod I09 secured to the strip I01 and reciprocal in the dividing wall 103 functions to maintain the strip in proper operating position. Secured to the dividing wall I03 and extending laterally to s'lidingly engage the outer surface of the flexible strip I0! is a pair of substantially flat plates IIO. In the operation of the apparatus the plates IIO function to form the rear portion of a collar being finished and their sliding engagement with the flexible strip I07 provides a path for conveying heat from that memher to the collar in the same manner as the corresponding portions in the previously described arrangements. The wiring diagram shown in Fig. 12 has been found satisfactory for use with all of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the circuit may be varied as well as the control therefore without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

8 I Operation In the operation of the arrangement shown in Figs. 7 to 11, substantially the same steps are followed as previously disclosed. The transformer is connected to a source of electric energy and the control switch G4 is set as desired. Upon the temperature of the flexible strip 82, becoming sufllciently elevated, the involute curves are reduced in size by the rotation of the spools 8I or I02 and a shirt having a previously prepared collar portion is placed in forming position. With the arrangement shown in Figs. '7 and 8, the shirt is slipped over the head until the collar @portion thereof comes into alignment with the flexible strip 82 whereupon that member is permitted to expand against the inner surface of the collar. With the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the collar portion of the shirt is suspended into the recessed supportin member 91 and the contracted flexible strip I9! is released. In each case the heated expanding strip applies a radially directed force and heat to all portions of the collar so that the entire collar is formed, dried and finished uniformly and simultaneously. Upon the operation being completed, the flexible strip is contracted and the collar is removed whereupon the apparatus is ready for another shirt. It is to be noted that the control switch may be operated to vary the temperature of the flexible strip at any time during the finishin operation; When the device is not in use the control switch may be moved to an off position or the conductors may be disconnected from the source of electric energy.

It will be apparent that herein is provided a sturdy and highly efiicient device which may be successfully operated by persons not especially skilled in the particular art involved. Moreover, the device, even when operated by such unskilled and inexperienced hel consistently produces work of a high standard and uniform quality.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the improved device of this invention appertains that various changes and alterations may be made from the illustrative embodiments here disclosed without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly the patent granted hereon is not to be limited to the precise embodiments shown or in any other way except as may be necessitated by the terminology of the appended claims when given the range of equivalents to which they may be entitled.

I claim:

1. A collar forming apparatus comprising a strip of flexible material looped under tension into substantially circular form, means for altering the diameter of said substantially circular loop and means for heating said strip, the diameter altering means including a rotatable arm operably connected to said strip adjacent the ends thereof.

2. A collar forming apparatus comprising a strip of flexible material looped under tension into substantially circular form, means for alt'ering the diameter of said substantiall circular loop and means for heating said strip, th strip heating means including means for passing an electric current through said strip, the strip servingas a heating resistance.

3. A collar forming apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein means is provided for varying said electric current.

4. A collar forming apparatus comprising, a strip of flexible material looped under tension into involute curved form, means for altering the radii of said involute curved form, said means including rotatable means operably connected to said strip adjacent the ends thereof, and means for heating said strip.

5. The structure of claim 4 wherein the strip heating means includes means for passing an electric current through said strip, and means for selectively controlling said electric current.

6. The structure of claim 4 wherein the strip heating means includes an electric circuit and means for selectively controlling the flow of current through said circuit.

'7. A collar forming apparatus comprising, a strip of flexible material looped under tension into involute curve form, self biasing means urging said curved strip toward expanded position, abutment means limiting the expansible travel of said curved strip, means for contracting said curved strip, abutment means limiting the contracting travel of said strip, said contracting means including a rotatable operating arm operably connected to said strip, and manually operated means for rotating said operating arm.

8. The structure of claim 7 including, electric means for heating said strip.

9. The structure of claim 7 including, electric means for heating said strip, and manually operated means for selectively controlling the energization of said electric means.

10. A collar forming apparatus comprising, a table having an aperture formed therein, a strip of flexible material looped under tension into involute curve form positioned within said aperture, the said curved strip being normally biased radially outward, means for contracting said curved strip, electric means for heating said strip, and means selectively operable for energizing said electric heating means.

11. A collar forming apparatus comprising, a table having a collar receiving aperture formed therein, a strip of flexible material looped under tension into involute curv form and positioned within said aperture, the resistance of said strip to the flow of a low voltage current therethrough being operable to generate an ironing and drying heat, means for connecting said strip in an electric circuit, and selectively operable means for reducing the size of said involute curve form.

12. The structure of claim 11 including, means for selectively varying the flow of electric current through said circuit and hence the temperature of said strip.

13. In a collar forming apparatus, a base, a

10 pair of spools rotatably mounted upon said base in spaced parallel relation, a strip of flexible material having an end portion thereof joined to each spool, the intermediate portion of said strip assuming an involute curve form, and means for rotating said spools to alter the size of said form.

14. The structure of claim 13 including means for heating said strip.

15. The structure of claim 13 wherein the involute curved flexible strip is normally under tension to thereby provide biasing means urging it into enlarged position.

16. The structure of claim 13 wherein, the involute curved flexible strip is self biased toward enlargement, and selectively operable electric means for heating said strip.

17. A collar forming apparatus, comprising in combination, a, supporting member having a recess formed therein, a flexible member operably positioned Within said recess, said flexible member comprising a strip of material curled under tension into substantially circular form, means operable to var the diameter of said circular form, means secured to an intermediate portion of said flexible member and engageable with a stationary portion of the frame to prevent said loop from sagging or becoming misaligned.

18. A collar forming apparatus comprising, a substantially circular member anchored at adjacent ends and adapted to be positioned within the collar of a shirt, means for substantially uniformly expanding and contracting said circular member by engaging same adjacent the ends, said circular member being capable upon expansion thereof to exert a uniformly distributed radial pressure upon the entireinner surface of a collar positioned thereon, and means for heating said circular member.

ROLLIN E. CAMPBELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,484,879 Fogwell et al Feb. .26, 1924 1,996,548 McEvven Apr. 2, 1935 2,089,916 Liebowitz Aug. 10, 1937 2,090,318 Voigt Aug. 17, 1937 2,172,857 Steele Sept. 12, 1937 2,192,786 Campbell Mar. 5, 1940 2,329,336 Colclough Sept. .14, 1943 

